History Abounds at Castle

Lauren BonneyTHE SANTA CLARAFebruary 13, 2014Take advantage of the upcoming three-day weekend and Valentine’s Day with a fun road trip down the Central Coast.Whether you’re single, in a relationship or it’s just complicated, a weekend visiting the historicalHearst Castle is great way to let off some steam and enjoy the long weekend.Hearst Castle is a California and National Historical Landmark mansion located along the Central Coast in San Simeon, Calif. Placed high above the town and coastline on “The Enchanted Hill,” the enormous mansion was designed by the famous architect, Julia Morgan, between 1919 and 1947 for the newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst. Hearst was an influential figure during the 20th century whose power extended to publishing, politics, Hollywood, the art world and American pop culture.The final product resulted in the creation of a stunning estate that has 165 rooms, 127 acres of gardens, terraces, pools and walkways. Fondly referred to by Hearst as “the ranch,” this architecturally stunning and otherworldly property housed a myriad of Hollywood and political elites.The interior of the mansion is full of elaborate décor to mimic European castles of the past. Hearst was adamant about only decorating his mansion with the best and included whole suits of armor, hand-crafted furniture, intricately designed ceilings and an enormous collection of fine art in his castle. On a sunny day, be sure to wander the grounds and soak up some sun at the Neptune Pool, which was rebuilt three times to suit Hearst’s vision and taste. The centerpiece of the pool is the façade of an ancient Roman temple Hearst imported to California exclusively for his mansion.Guests are invited to take a tour of the estate and are urged to travel back in time to an era of glamour, glitz and luxury. A time where movie stars of the 30s and 40s gathered at Hearst Castle for some rest and relaxation, taking time to enjoy the sprawling gardens, tennis courts, indoor movie theater, indoor and outdoor pools, airfield and the world’s largest private zoo.While Hearst’s menagerie of exotic animals, including different types of African big cats, giraffes and other grazing animals, are no longer on the property, you might be able to see some remaining zebras roaming around the grounds mixed in with some cattle.So take a drive down the coast with a group of friends or your significant other, and stop by Hearst Castle, where the glamour of the past comes to life.Correction: February 27, 2014The photo caption referred to a different article's photo.Contact Lauren Bonney at lbonney@scu.edu or call (408) 554-4852.